As Eid al-Fitr approaches, travelers are gearing up for their holidays, and Hamad International Airport (HIA) is fully prepared to ensure a seamless travel experience for all passengers. With an expected increase in travel traffic during this period, HIA has released a set of valuable tips to help travelers navigate the airport efficiently.

Whether you're departing or arriving, these tips will guide you through every step of your journey, from check-in to boarding, and beyond.

Early Check-In and Arrival

 

Online Check-In: Save time by checking in online and arriving at the airport at least three hours before your flight. Check with your airline for online check-in options to streamline your journey. This not only reduces waiting times but also allows you to select your preferred seat and print or download your boarding pass.

• Qatar Airways Early Check-In: Economy passengers can check in from 12 to four hours before departure until April 5, excluding US and Canada flights. Using this service earns a 10% discount at Qatar Duty Free stores, making it a great way to start your shopping spree early.

Self-Service Facilities

• Self-Check-In & Bag-Drop: Utilize self-service kiosks to check in, print boarding passes, and tag your bags. Drop them off at the bag-drop counters before proceeding to border control. These kiosks are designed to be user-friendly and can significantly reduce your check-in time.

• E-Gates: Citizens and residents above 18 years old and taller than 130cm can expedite the immigration process using e-gates (restrictions apply). This service is quick and efficient, allowing you to breeze through immigration and head straight to your gate or explore the airport's amenities.

Baggage Guidelines

• Airlines' Baggage Policies: Check with your airline for specific baggage allowances and weight restrictions. Non-standard or oversized luggage is discouraged, as it may incur additional fees or be subject to special handling procedures.

• Baggage Repack Area: A baggage repack area with luggage weighing machines is available in the departure hall to assist passengers. This is particularly useful if you need to redistribute items to meet weight limits or if you have items that require special packaging.

Parking and Transportation

• Dedicated Parking: Use the dedicated parking facilities for quick drop-offs, pick-ups, and short stays. Avoid leaving vehicles unattended at the curbside, as this can lead to fines or towing. The parking facilities are designed for convenience and offer easy access to the terminal.

• Valet Parking: Available at Departures for ultimate convenience. This service allows you to drop off your vehicle with the valet team, saving you time and hassle.

• Car Rental and Limousine Services: Located close to the arrival hall, these services provide a seamless transition from the airport to your destination. Whether you prefer the independence of driving yourself or the luxury of a chauffeur-driven ride, there are options available to suit your needs.

Security and Prohibited Items

• Prohibited Items: Ensure no prohibited items like liquids, aerosols, and gels are in your carry-on. Pack liquids in 100ml containers within a clear, resealable bag. This is a standard security requirement to ensure safety on flights.

• Electronic Devices: Remove electronic devices larger than a mobile phone for X-ray screening. This includes laptops, tablets, and any other devices that need to be screened separately.

• Lithium Battery-Powered Devices: Small vehicles powered by lithium batteries, such as hoverboards, are not allowed. Always check the latest guidelines on restricted items before packing.

Navigation and Offers

• HIAQatar App: Download the app for real-time updates on flight status, baggage claim, and directions to boarding gates. Enjoy food, beverage, and retail offers from Qatar Duty Free. The app is a valuable resource for navigating the airport and staying informed about your flight.

• Digital Wayfinding: Use QR codes at various digital touchpoints for easy navigation around the terminal. These codes provide quick access to maps, directions, and other essential information, ensuring you never get lost.

Additional Tips

• Plan Ahead: Consider booking flights early to secure better rates and availability. Early booking can also give you more options for seat selection and travel dates.

• Privilege Club Benefits: If you're a Privilege Club member, you can enjoy additional perks like priority check-in and lounge access. These benefits can enhance your travel experience and provide a more comfortable journey.

Traveling during Eid al-Fitr can be a wonderful experience, especially when you're well-prepared. By following these tips from Hamad International Airport, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. From early check-in to navigating the airport's facilities, every step is designed to make your travel experience seamless and stress-free. Whether you're heading home or embarking on a new adventure, HIA is ready to welcome you with its world-class amenities and services. Safe travels!

Qatar Airways has emerged as the best performing airline in in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity, leveraging SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed internet service to deliver an unparalleled onboard experience. According to a recent Ookla report, the airline boasts median download speeds of 120.6 Mbps, positioning it at the forefront of in-flight internet innovation globally.

Qatar Airways’ rapid and ambitious rollout of Starlink installations is one of the fastest in the aviation industry. The airline has equipped over 50 percent of its Boeing 777 fleet with Starlink, completing installations on 30 aircraft as of early 2025. This milestone was achieved just months after launching the world’s first Boeing 777 Starlink-enabled flight and surpassing its initial target of 12 installations for 2024.

The airline’s CEO, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, highlighted that Qatar Airways is also pioneering the introduction of Starlink Wi-Fi on its Airbus A350 fleet, becoming the first airline worldwide to offer this cutting-edge connectivity on the aircraft type. This expansion will provide more passengers with complimentary, ultra-fast Wi-Fi, enabling seamless streaming, gaming, and work at 35,000 feet.

Starlink’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation underpins the superior internet performance, offering faster speeds, significant upload capabilities, and low latency compared to traditional geostationary satellite systems. While Qatar Airways also operates planes with geostationary orbit (GEO) connectivity, the LEO-powered Starlink service distinctly elevates its Wi-Fi quality, making it a standout performer alongside Hawaiian Airlines, which also uses Starlink.

The airline has optimized the installation process to minimize operational disruption, reducing retrofit time from several days to just 9.5 hours per aircraft, with installations scheduled overnight to avoid impacting flight schedules.

Passengers benefit from a seamless, gate-to-gate connection experience without cumbersome logins or fees, as Qatar Airways offers Starlink Wi-Fi free of charge. This service marks a significant leap forward in onboard connectivity, rivaling ground-based internet speeds and setting a new standard for the industry.

As in-flight Wi-Fi becomes a key differentiator for premium international carriers, Qatar Airways’ leadership in adopting Starlink technology not only enhances passenger comfort and convenience but also strengthens its competitive edge in the global airline market.

In summary, Qatar Airways’ commitment to innovation and passenger experience through the widespread deployment of Starlink Wi-Fi cements its reputation as a trailblazer in aviation connectivity, delivering the fastest and most reliable in-flight internet service available today.

The General Authority of Customs (GAC) has reported a remarkable milestone in May 2025, processing over 589,000 customs declarations through Qatar’s ports, underscoring the nation’s growing role as a dynamic trade hub in the region.

According to the June 2025 Customs newsletter, a total of 589,593 declarations were recorded, with air cargo dominating at 480,003 declarations, followed by land customs at 20,423 and sea ports at 16,645. Impressively, the GAC released 96.96% of customs data within just one hour, reflecting the efficiency of its operations. Additionally, 22,647 declarations were transferred to government entities during the month.

The United States and India continued to lead as the top countries for imports and exports, respectively, highlighting Qatar’s strategic trade partnerships. The GAC also registered 147 seizures in May, with the largest confiscation being 5,275 grams of marijuana. The Ministry of Public Health Department was recognized for its swift processing, completing releases in an average of 5.44 hours.

Beyond these figures, the GAC has made significant strides in securing the entry of passengers and goods, facilitating trade exchanges, and enhancing cooperation with both local and international entities. This includes continuous development in human resources, procedural improvements, and technological advancements aimed at streamlining trade and meeting local market demands.

In a bid to strengthen community involvement in customs enforcement, the GAC recently launched the ‘Kafih’ service, a national initiative that enables secure and confidential reporting of customs violations and smuggling activities. This service aims to bolster national security and protect the economy by preventing the entry of prohibited goods and detecting fraud.

Further embracing digital transformation, the Authority introduced the Al-Nadeeb trade community app, designed to simplify customs clearance for clearance companies, traders, and importers through smart devices. This platform ensures faster processing and easier access to all customs procedures.

A landmark achievement was the successful direct electronic integration between the Al-Nadeeb Customs Clearance System and the International Road Transport Union’s Digital TIR Carnet Service. Coordinated with Qatar Chamber, this integration facilitates instant and secure data exchange for road shipments under the TIR Convention, marking a pivotal step in modernizing customs operations and enhancing international digital cooperation.

These advancements collectively position Qatar’s customs framework as a model of efficiency and innovation, supporting the country’s vision to become a leading global trade hub while safeguarding national interests and economic growth.

The United Arab Emirates’ Golden Visa program offers a long-term residence permit designed to attract and retain exceptional global talent. This visa allows investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes to live, work, or study in the UAE with exclusive benefits and greater security.

The Golden Visa is issued for either five or ten years, depending on the applicant’s category, and is renewable upon meeting the required conditions.

Key benefits include no requirement for a local sponsor, unlike standard UAE residence visas, giving holders greater independence. They can also stay outside the UAE for more than six moths without losing residency status, which is not allowed under regular visas. Additionally, Golden Visa holders can sponsor their family members and children regardless of age, as well as an unlimited number of domestic helpers. In the unfortunate event of the visa holder’s death, family members can remain in the UAE until the visa’s validity expires.

Applicants must submit nominations through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) smart services portal. The process involves selecting the visa category, providing detailed personal and professional information, uploading required documents, and paying applicable fees.

Certain categories require official recommendations: artists and cultural figures need approval from cultural authorities; innovators and inventors from the Ministry of Economy; athletes from sports authorities; digital talents from the UAE Council for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transactions; and other exceptional talents from relevant federal or local bodies.

The fees include an e-services fee of AED 28, an ICP fee of AED 22, and a smart services fee of AED 100. Applications are rejected if incomplete data is not provided within 30 days or if the application is returned three times due to missing information.

In a significant development, the UAE has introduced a nomination-based Golden Visa program that makes it easier for Indian nationals to obtain lifetime residency without the previously mandatory property or business investments. Indians can now apply by paying a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (approximately INR 23.3 lakh), provided they meet eligibility criteria based on professional achievements, societal contributions, or potential value to the UAE’s cultural, scientific, or economic sectors.

This new pathway expands eligibility beyond investors and entrepreneurs to include nurses, educators, content creators, scientists, executives, and other professionals, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to welcoming diverse talents. The program is currently being piloted with Indian applicants, with over 5,000 expected to apply in the initial months.

Overall, the UAE Golden Visa represents a strategic initiative to foster innovation, investment, and cultural exchange by offering long-term residency with unparalleled benefits. The recent easing of access for Indians reinforces the UAE’s position as a global hub for talent and opportunity.

A Vietnam Airlines flight traveling from London Heathrow Airport to Hanoi was forced to make an emergency landing at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport after a Danish passenger experienced a serious medical emergency approximately nine hours into the flight. The flight, designated VN56, departed London on Sunday night local time and was en route to Hanoi when the passenger’s health suddenly deteriorated.

The cabin crew promptly administered first aid onboard, but the passenger’s condition did not improve, prompting the captain to make the critical decision to divert the flight. Prior to landing, the flight crew coordinated with Kolkata airport authorities to ensure medical teams were ready to provide immediate assistance upon arrival.

Once on the ground, the passenger was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital accompanied by two family members for further medical evaluation and treatment. The airline confirmed that the passenger’s condition was stable after transfer. After completing the necessary procedures and ensuring the passenger was in safe hands, flight VN56 resumed its journey to Hanoi at 3:43 p.m. local time on Monday, arriving approximately three hours behind schedule.

This incident is part of a recent pattern of Vietnam Airlines flights being diverted due to passenger health emergencies. Just days earlier, on June 30, flight VN7569 from Hanoi to Nha Trang was diverted to Da Nang due to a medical issue onboard. Earlier in June, on the 16th, flight VN158 from Da Nang to Hanoi made an emergency landing at Phu Bai Airport in Hue for similar reasons. Additionally, on May 5, 2025, flight VN35 from Hanoi to Frankfurt was diverted to Erzurum Airport in Turkey after a passenger required urgent medical attention.

Vietnam Airlines has reiterated the importance of passenger health awareness, advising travelers to consult with medical professionals before flying if they experience any unusual symptoms or have pre-existing health conditions that may be exacerbated by air travel. The airline also emphasized that flight crews are trained to handle medical emergencies and that safety remains their highest priority.

Medical emergencies in-flight pose significant challenges due to limited resources and the need for quick decision-making. Airlines worldwide have protocols in place to manage such situations, including coordinating with ground medical services and, when necessary, diverting flights to the nearest suitable airport. The recent series of diversions by Vietnam Airlines highlights both the unpredictability of medical emergencies and the airline’s commitment to passenger safety.

Passengers planning to travel long-haul or with known health issues are encouraged to carry relevant medical documentation, medications, and to inform airline staff of any special needs prior to boarding. This ensures timely and appropriate care can be provided if emergencies arise during the flight.

The Noida International Airport (DXN) in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, is on the verge of transforming the aviation landscape in India, with its opening now firmly targeted for November 2025. Envisioned as Asia’s largest international airport upon completion, the project has reached over 80% construction progress and is entering its final stretch after overcoming several delays.

Originally slated for a September 2024 launch, the airport’s timeline was pushed back due to setbacks in terminal construction and pending regulatory approvals. Revised targets in April and June 2025 were also missed, but officials now express strong confidence in the November deadline. Uttar Pradesh Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’ highlighted the government’s commitment, emphasizing that the project has moved beyond symbolic status to real execution.

The phased operational rollout will see domestic and cargo flights beginning around September 15, 2025, with full-scale international operations planned for November. However, two crucial approvals remain outstanding: an aerodrome license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and security clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). These are essential for the airport to commence commercial traffic, and a joint inspection by the DGCA, BCAS, and Airports Authority of India was scheduled in May to assess readiness.

Strategically located about 75 km from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, the new airport will also serve Noida, Agra, and Dadri. In its first phase, it aims to handle 12 million passengers annually, with a vision to scale up to 70 million by 2040–2050, making it the world’s fourth-largest airport by area and passenger capacity. Once operational, Uttar Pradesh will become the only Indian state with five international airports.

The airport will feature a state-of-the-art Ground Transportation Center, integrating metro rail, bus terminals, taxi lanes, and private parking. A high-speed rail link between Delhi and Varanasi is planned, reducing travel time between Delhi and the airport to just 21 minutes. A multimodal cargo hub, developed with Air India SATS, will handle over 100,000 tons of cargo annually at launch, with future expansion in the pipeline.

Environmental sustainability has also been prioritized, with more than 580 mature trees relocated and an eight-acre forest buffer zone created. The terminal’s architecture draws from North Indian culture and heritage, focusing on natural light and energy efficiency.

Backed by a total investment of ₹34,000 crore, with ₹10,056 crore allocated for the first phase, the airport is being developed by Zurich Airport International AG, which will operate it under a 40-year concession agreement. The facility is poised to become a major driver of logistics, tourism, and industrial growth in western Uttar Pradesh.

As the project enters its final months, anticipation is high. If completed as planned, Noida International Airport will not only relieve congestion at Delhi’s existing airport but also mark a significant leap in India’s airport capacity and regional connectivity.